March highlights include:

1. More OPT Workshops on March 9^th & 18^th
2. Reminder to maintain fulltime status!
3. Spring Break Travel Outside the U.S.
4. UNCC French Film Festival
5. Women’s Basketball Tournament March 3^rd-6^th 
6. International Women’s Day is March 8^th
7. Tax Season is approaching – April 15^th Deadline
8. Meeting about refunding of SS & Med Taxes – March 24^th
9. ISSO Staff Out of the Office on March 11^th

1. More OPT Workshops on March 9^th & 18^th

The ISSO will be holding two workshops for students graduating in May or August and interested in applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).  Please plan to attend one of the workshops, as much information will be discussed. 

Wednesday, March 9^th at 4:00pm in Denny 119
OR
Friday, March 18^th at 3:30pm in Denny 119
 

2.  Reminder to maintain fulltime status!

Mid-terms are upon us and we  just wanted to send a reminder that dropping below a fulltime course of study is a violation of your immigration status.  If you are having difficulty with a class and are thinking of dropping it, please remember to first talk with Marian or Denise in the ISSO so that we can discuss the potential immigration implications. 

Again, fulltime is defined as the following:
Undergraduate = at least 12 credits
Graduate = at least 9 credits
Graduate with approved assistantship = at least 6 credits
Graduate who has completed coursework and working on thesis or project only = no minimum required but must be registered for “thesis”, “project”, or “dissertation”.
 

3. Spring Break Travel Outside the U.S. 

If you are traveling outside the U.S. for Spring Break (yes, this includes Canada & Mexico) please remember to get your I-20 or DS-2019 signed in the ISSO!  Also, please take appropriate documentation with you for your return (valid passport, visa, UNC Charlotte transcript and financial documentation).   

Have a happy and safe Spring Break!!
 

4.  UNCC French Film Festival

If you are interested in catching some good French films, check out the French Film Festival.  Dates, times and locations are below, entrance is free and all are welcome.  All films will be held in "After Hours" in the Cone Center.

Tuesday, March 1
5:30pm  Les Visiteurs (The Visitors)
7:30pm  Se souvenir des Belles Choses (Beautiful Memories)

Thursday, March 3
5:30pm  Taxi III
7:30pm  Les Invasions Barbares (The Barbarian Invasions)

For more information, please contact Eunjung Nam, President of UNCC French Club enam@uncc.edu
704-503-1866 or 678-793-2879

5.  Women’s Basketball Tournament March 3^rd-6^th 

For anyone who is on campus during Spring Break, UNC Charlotte is hosting the Conference USA Women’s Basketball Tournament in Halton Arena (Student Activities Center) March 3-6.  Come support the team and enjoy some good basketball!  Students get in free with ID.
 

6.  International Women’s Day

Monday, March 8^th is International Women’s Day.  This day is designated as a day to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of women around the world as well as to acknowledge their economic, political, cultural and social struggles for equality, justice, peace, and development.  For more information on International Women’s Day, go to http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/women

 
7.  Tax Season is Approaching – April 15^th Deadline

All international students (F-1 & J-1) who resided in the US during 2004 are required to complete federal tax forms.  Anyone who did not attend a seminar in February can still pick-up a password for $3.00 in the ISSO (bring exact change) so that you can access the tax software program that will help you complete your federal tax forms.  We will also provide you with information for filing the NC State tax.   

If you have been employed in 2004, you should have received your W-2 and/or 1042-S from your employer.  If you have not yet received these forms, you should contact your employer.  (For UNC Charlotte employment that is ).
 

8.  Meeting about refunding of SS & Med Taxes – March 24^th

Students in F1 and J1 are exempt from Social Security (FICA) and Med tax withholding. If your employer incorrectly withheld these taxes from your paycheck during 2004 and you wish to request a refund you should attend this meeting to learn how to proceed. Thursday, March 24^th, 4:00 p.m., Denny 119
 

9.  ISSO Staff Out of the Office on March 11^th

The ISSO will be closed on Friday, March 11, as all ISSO staff members will be at a conference.